Support for Germany’s coalition drops

A majority of German voters believe a coalition government comprising the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), the Liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the Greens won’t be good for the country.

A poll published on Thursday (9 November) and commissioned by German broadcaster ARD found 45% of the 1,005 people surveyed supported the three-way coalition. 52% said the coalition would be “bad” for Germany.

Exploratory talks between the three parties have so far failed to yield significant progress on forming a government following Germany’s September 24 general election.

Greens voters in particular have cooled on the so-called ‘Jamaica Coalition’, with 55% now backing it, down from 76% a month ago. Support for the coalition is still above 70% among CDU/CSU and FDP voters.

Despite falling support, a clear majority 68% said the three-way coalition is likely to emerge to govern Germany once negotiations conclude. If talks fail, 75% said they wanted a new election while 20% preferred a minority government.